Best Hiking Trails in Calaveras Big Trees State Park
There are seven hiking trails in the park, which offer views of the Giant Sequoias, the Lava Bluffs formation, and the Stanislaus River. Stay at Calaveras Big Trees State Park cabins, which provide you with easy access to the trails with all the necessary amenities to ensure a comfortable stay in the great outdoors.
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1. North Grove Trail
This gentle loop is about 1.5mi. and the shortest among the three trails. One of the significant sights worth checking out on the North Grove Trail is The Big Stump, a giant tree measured 300 feet tall. The North Grove also offers views of White Firs, Sugar Pines, Ponderosa Pines and more.
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2. South Grove Trail
The South Grove Natural Preserve leads you through pristine groves of Sierra redwoods, the largest living objects on earth. The 5mi. trail contains over 1,000 sierra redwood trees or giant sequoias.
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3. Bradley Grove Trail
This 2.5mi. round-trip moderate trail rises above 270ft in elevation. You can enjoy the view of old logging roads and a variety of trees along the trail before heading back to your Calaveras Big Trees State Park cabins for the night. The trail also allows you to observe the processes of forest recovery.
Best Family Activities in Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Settle down in one of Calaveras Big Trees State Park cabins and enjoy an exciting range of outdoor activities including cross-country skiing, kids’ educational programs, camping, mountain biking, and bird-watching. The Stanislaus River passes just off the south end of the Park and provides a variety of recreational activities.
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1. Whitewater Rafting
With numerous rapids and majestic redwoods lining the shore, the river is a fantastic place to experience the thrill of Whitewater Rafting. Pay a visit to Sunshine Rafting Adventures to start your 8mi. float down the river.
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2. Camping
Calaveras Big Trees State Park offers two campgrounds, with a total of 129 campsites in both the North and South groves The Oak Hollow Campground is open from May to September, while The North Grove campground is open from March to November. The Park campgrounds provide RV and tent camping, and cabins. Each campsite includes fire rings, flush toilets, piped water, and picnic tables.
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3. Mountain Biking
The park includes fire roads that are accessible via mountain biking. Calaveras Big Trees offers lots of great rides for different skill levels, especially if you love hills.